Trump, 79, Botches National Anthem in Front of Millions
The Daily Beast • • general
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump was heavily booed during his appearance at the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, where he was criticized for improper national anthem etiquette.
- Trump stood with his hands at his sides during the first stanza of the anthem and only gave a salute later, which did not align with the U.S. Flag Code requiring the right hand over the heart for civilians.
- The federal statute 36 U.S. Code § 301 specifies that civilians should face the flag and place their right hand over their heart during the national anthem, while military personnel should give a salute.
- Trump's 19-year-old granddaughter, Kai Trump, correctly followed the etiquette by placing her hand over her heart.
- Trump has never served in the military, having avoided the Vietnam War draft through multiple deferments.